Crete

The offspring of three continents and the nesting place of ancient civilizations

It emerged from the Tethys Ocean millions of years ago to evolve by tectonic forces into the Aegis continent which by continuous submersion into and rise from the ocean evolved into the fragmented ensemble of the charming Aegean Sea. Although a dot on the map, Crete boasts as the place that gave birth to and nurtured Zeus, the father of gods and people. Moreover, it is the birthplace of the Minoan civilization.

The restless geopolitical background of Crete is the cause of its charm, manifested in successive changes of the physical environment as one drives along the island from one end to the other!

Crete is an island to flavour and experience...

The harmony of contradictions

It embraces the Sea of Crete and the Libyan Sea; while the scattered small islands around it are mere hints of the outstanding beauty that wandering along its coasts and through the mainland promises to offer.

The three main mountains -Dikti, Psiloritis and Lefka Ori (White Mountains)- with their deep, trackless ravines, rough gorges, valleys and plateaus shape the island’s destiny.

An island of 8,332 km2, where the imposing, wild and mountainous landscape harmoniously co-exists with overgrown cultivated slopes, silver olive groves, unending hectares of vineyards, plains with thimbleweeds and sheep sorrels and the relentlessly incandescent reign of stone, that smells of labdanum and imposes itself with inexorable simplicity, plunged in deep blue, can only be a gift of God.

An amalgam of many worlds

Thousands of kilometres of coastline curved by the sea and the wind mark the boundaries of this grandiose island. In Balos, Western Crete, green vegetation spreads over a strip of white sand against the dark grey background of the Gramvousa peninsula.Elafonisjjs an exotic shallow laguna that you can cross by walking on white rose sand made of smashed seashells.

In Eastern Crete, the natural palm grove of Vai, an oasis in the arid landscape, washes away memories of secluded sand seas in the green blue waters of the Libyan Sea.

In Northern Crete, more shallow and warmer waters and organized, cosmopolitan beaches offer multiple comforts and a wealth of sports activities.

Crete has witnessed relics of human settlements from the Neolithic Age (6000 b.C. in Knossos) and was the most important prehistoric centre of the Copper Age as well as the cradle of Minoan civilization.

West of the island, the orange groves, pine forests and chestnuts - where the different shades of green are infinite- forests of bushy brier and schinus shrubs, locusts, cedars, prickly bushes and laurels give way to vineyards and silver olive groves.

Zoyeria: A beautiful little bay to the north of the island, with a pine forest and a smatt tavern.

Anargyreio School Beach: This beach is located to the north-west of Spetses town and has full facilities, including water sports, a beach bar and restaurant.

Ligoneri: A quiet beach surrounded by pine trees in the northern part of the island.

Vrellos: Located close to Ligoneri, with a great beach bar.

Agios Nikolaos: A small beach on the road to the Old Harbour; it lies just below the church of the same name.

Agios Mamas: A small beach in the town of Spetses.

Not to miss

The fresh fish and seafood, as well as the traditional Spetses baked fish, at the small tavernas of the Old Harbour. Fish is always best enjoyed right by the water's edge!

The millefeuille and traditional almond pastries, best enjoyed in the cafes and patisseries of Dapia and along the coastal road.

All-night entertainment at the island's bars, with excellent music and cool, refreshing cocktails. Spetses has fabulous beaches, with crystal-clear waters. In the summer season boats and coaches leave Dapia every day to take bathers to the beaches, of which we list the most important below:

Agia Paraskevi: Beautiful emeratd-green waters, with pine trees coming right down to the shore. The beach has organised facilities, with a beach bar and taverna.

Agioi Anargyroi: This is a pebble beach, set in a lush, green bay on the western side of the island. There is a taverna and recliners, umbrellas for hire, etc. From the northern end of the beach there is a path which leads to the Bekiris Cave.

Agia Marina: Located in the north-eastern part of the island, in a verdant bay, the beach has full facilities, including water sports, a restaurant and beach bar.

Xylokeriza: In the south of the island, with a canteen and other organised facilities.